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Demo Guide: Patapon 3

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Download the exclusive online multiplayer demo now on PlayStation Store become a hero of the Patapon tribe.

With Patapon 3 arriving in April 2011 on PSP, Sony Studio Japan has unleashed a demo on PlayStation Store for fans and newcomers of the acclaimed rhythm based puzzler to get to grips with. Check out this guide to mastering the Patapon 3 demo.

Patapon god

At the outset of the Patapon 3 demo, it's revealed that you are in fact a god to the Patapons. You can choose to either use your own name for the rest of the demo, or keep the preset one - Kamipo. Now, the fate of the world lies in your hands, and, before you proceed, you must decide which Patapon hero you're going to revive to aid you on your mission...

Choose a hero

Now it's time to pick from one of three hero Patapons. The first is Yarida, a spear hero. When using him in battle you're going to have to take risks by getting in close to the enemy, the upside being that Yarida's spear does a lot of damage. If you prefer a bit of bow and arrow action, choose Yumiyacha, the bow hero. He is ideal for volleying arrows at enemies, offering plenty of support in battle.

Yumiyacha does have very little stamina, so you'll have to use him wisely. The final hero Patapon is Taterazay, whose power is that of a shield. Choose Taterazay if you want a Patapon out there on the front line covering the rest of your troops.

Drum to the beat

Now that you've chosen your hero Patapon, you're ready to march your Patapon tribe into war, but you'll need to master the art of banging the PON drum first. To strike it, press the Circle button in time with the rhythm of the Earth. To drum in rhythm, watch the screen border because it flashes white in time with the beat. Master this first step and you are on your way to leading the Patapons.

Got it? Good, now you should have your Patapon army to hand and another drum - the PATA drum. This is where you learn to march Patapons onwards in battle. It's simple: tap the Square button three times and the Circle button just once. Remember, keep an eye on the screen border as it flashes white to the rhythm of the tune. Now you're ready to take the Patapons online!

Feel the rhythm online

There are two ways you can experience the Patapon multiplayer demo. In Wireless Ad Hoc Mode you and a friend or another player can drum together. Secondly, there is Wireless Infrastructure Mode, which means you can play online via PlayStation Network. Once you have chosen your Wireless multiplayer mode, the next option is to decide whether or not you want to host a match, or join one.

You'll be able to test your skills in the Field Quest mission, a co-operative mode where you can create a party with another player and battle against the Field of Angry Giants. So, what are you waiting for Patapon god? Start beating that drum!

Download the Patapon 3 demo from PlayStation Store now.

Get yourself to patapon-game.com today and play the Patapon 3 mini-game to unlock stickers to make funky wallpapers. The higher your score in the mini-game, the more stickers you unlock to create your own special wallpaper. You can also download avatars, ringtones, explore the history of Patapon on PSP and - best of all - unlock an exclusive in-game item for your copy of Patapon 3.